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There are a lot of insects out there that are confused with some species of cockroach. In order to determine the type of treatment necessary, it is key to identify what type of insect you have in your home or on your property.
One of the insects that is most often confused with the cockroach is the water bug. They do bear a resemblance to one another, but there are key differences. Although water bugs are known for their painful bites, they are not the pest that cockroaches are.
Sometimes it's best to just call the cockroach exterminators to determine if you have a cockroach infestation or you just have a water bug. Call Ehrlich at 800-837-5520 or use our online form to get an appointment scheduled.
Is a water bug a cockroach?
No, a water bug is not the same as a cockroach, though the two are often confused due to their similar appearance. Both insects can have dark, oval-shaped bodies and long antennae, leading to mistaken identification. However, they differ significantly regarding habitat, behavior, and biology.
Water bugs, such as the giant water bug, are true aquatic insects that thrive in or near bodies of water like ponds, lakes, and streams. They are skilled swimmers and have piercing mouthparts used to prey on other insects, small fish, and even amphibians. Water bugs are predatory and rely on their natural aquatic environment to survive. Some species also deliver a painful bite when threatened, earning them the nickname ‘toe biters.’
Cockroaches are primarily terrestrial insects that prefer warm, dark environments. They often invade homes, basements, and sewers. They’re scavengers and can consume various organic matter, including food scraps, garbage, and decaying materials. While cockroaches are generally associated with dirt and unsanitary conditions, they are not aquatic and cannot survive long in water.
Adding to the confusion is that certain cockroach species, particularly the American cockroach, are often mistakenly referred to as ‘water bugs.’ This mislabeling likely stems from their tendency to inhabit damp areas like bathrooms or basements, but unlike true water bugs, American cockroaches are not aquatic.
Despite these similarities in name and appearance, water bugs and cockroaches are two distinct types of insects with different lifestyles and ecological roles.
Water bug vs. roach differences
The key differences between a water bug and a cockroach lie in their size, habitat, and diet. Water bugs are larger, often reaching up to two inches, and are typically found in water, where they hunt prey. Cockroaches are smaller, usually around one to one and a half inches, and live on land, preferring damp areas in homes or buildings.
While water bugs can bite if provoked, they are not considered pests and rarely enter homes. Cockroaches, however, are notorious for spreading disease and infesting homes, making them a significant pest concern.
Cockroach
This is your typical cockroach. Notice the round body shape, wings and brownish color. They are also usually smaller in size than a water bug and their habitat is vastly different.
- Size: 1 to 1.5 inches
- Color: Brown or reddish-brown
- Body shape: Oval, flattened
- Legs: Six spiny legs for running
- Mouth: Chewing mouthparts
- Wings: Most species have wings, some fly
- Habitat: Prefer warm, damp areas indoors (kitchens, basements)
- Behavior: Scavengers, feed on almost anything
- Life cycle: Egg, nymph, adult (can live up to a year)
- Bite risk: Rare, typically harmless
Water bugs
Water bugs tend to live in water, and they have specialized structures called ‘tracheal gills’ that take oxygen from the water, allowing them to stay underwater for long stints – but have to resurface eventually. They can bite if they are handled.
They rarely enter homes and prefer to eat other insects and creatures in the water rather than scavenge like cockroaches.
- Size: Up to 2 inches
- Color: Dark brown to black
- Body shape: Oval, more robust
- Legs: Six legs, with back legs adapted for swimming
- Mouth: Piercing-sucking mouthparts (proboscis)
- Wings: Fully developed wings, but rarely used for flight
- Habitat: Aquatic environments (ponds, streams)
- Behavior: Predators, hunt small insects and fish
- Life cycle: Egg, nymph, adult (can live several months)
- Bite risk: Can bite if threatened, but not dangerous to humans
How common are roaches & water bugs in East America?
Cockroaches are a common pest in East America, particularly in urban areas and regions with high humidity. Due to their high humidity and temperature, states such as Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina, New York, and Louisiana see many cockroaches year-round.
There are many different types of cockroaches. Species like the American cockroach, German cockroach, and Oriental cockroach thrive in warm, damp environments such as kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. These pests tend to infiltrate homes and buildings by exploiting small cracks and gaps in windows or doors, plumbing fixtures, and drainage systems.
Cockroaches are especially adept at sneaking in through sewer pipes, drains, and even utility lines, which provide them with easy access to humid areas where they can breed and feed.
Water bugs are less common than cockroaches in East American states, but you can find them in areas near freshwater sources such as ponds, lakes, and streams. Species like the giant water bug are primarily aquatic and typically inhabit outdoor environments.
While water bugs may occasionally venture close to homes, especially during warmer months, they do not infest homes like cockroaches do. Water bugs are aquatic insects. Their presence is generally more associated with natural water bodies than urban areas. If you have an outdoor space with standing or fresh water, your chances of a water bug infestation increase.
How to get rid of water bugs & cockroaches
To effectively eliminate cockroaches, it's essential to focus on a multi-step approach. Start by reducing food sources by cleaning up crumbs, storing food in airtight containers, and regularly emptying trash bins. Cockroaches are also attracted to moisture, so fix leaky pipes and faucets, and ensure that areas like the kitchen and bathroom are kept dry. Seal any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and baseboards to prevent their entry.
You can also use a combination of baits, traps, and insecticides to target infestations. If the problem persists or becomes too large, professional pest control services may be necessary to completely eliminate them.
For water bugs, managing their presence primarily involves outdoor maintenance. Since water bugs thrive in aquatic environments, it's important to eliminate any standing water around your property by addressing drainage issues and ensuring water flows away from your home. Clear away potential hiding spots, such as piles of leaves, mulch, or other debris that could attract these insects.
While water bugs typically stay outdoors and rarely invade homes, keeping your yard clean and dry reduces the chance of encountering them.
For comprehensive management of both cockroaches and water bugs, professional pest control experts can offer targeted solutions to treat infestations inside and outside. Contact Ehrlich today to help manage and prevent pest infestations.
How do you tell if it's a roach or a water bug?
By examining the critter’s size and shape. Water bugs are generally larger, often up to 2 inches, while cockroaches typically measure 1 to 1.5 inches. Cockroaches have a flattened, oval body shape, whereas water bugs are more robust and wider. Additionally, water bugs have long, paddle-like hind legs for swimming, while cockroaches have six spiny legs suited for running.
Why am I seeing water bugs in my house?
This may indicate that they are entering from nearby water sources, especially during warmer months. They can be attracted to damp areas like basements, bathrooms, or kitchens. While it’s less common for water bugs to infest homes, they may wander inside in search of food or moisture, particularly if there are insects or organic debris present.
How to tell if a bug is a cockroach?
Look for its color and body shape. Cockroaches are usually brown or reddish-brown with a flattened, oval shape. Most species have wings, and while some can fly, they are often seen scurrying away when disturbed. Cockroaches are nocturnal scavengers, hiding during the day and emerging at night in search of food. A musty odor may also accompany a cockroach infestation due to droppings and shed skins.
Ehrlich Specialists are experts in cockroach identification
If you have any questions about whether or not the insects that you are finding around your home are cockroaches or water bugs, don't hesitate to call the experts at Ehrlich. We can determine very quickly if you have water bugs or a cockroach infestation and then recommend just the right cockroach treatment plan. Our experts know the best methods to get rid of cockroaches.
Just call us at 800-837-5520 or visit our online form to schedule an appointment.